As I write this, results for presidential elections are being collated in Uganda. Presidential elections were held on Thursday, January 14th 2021.
The presidential elections pitched the incumbent president, Yoweri Museveni against the youthful and vibrant Bobby Wine. Museveni, a former freedom fighter is 77 years old. He assumed power in 1986, when his main challenger in the current elections was about 4 years old.
Museveni, the current president is hankering for a fifth term in office. As it is characteristic of every dictator, he manipulated the country’s constitution to allow him contest for unlimited number of terms.
Uganda, the landlocked east African country has never had it good with qualitative leadership. It is the same country that gained notoriety and international opprobrium under the leadership of the infamous Idi Amin Dada.
Why is Uganda and by extension Africa, replete with cases of dictatorship and sit tightism in political leadership?
As I write this, according to reports, the home of the main challenger in the Ugandan presidential election has been invaded by gun-wielding soldiers, placing him on an informal house arrest. Of course, the dictator shut down all internet activities in the country on the eve of the elections, to allow him perfect his evil machinations without international scrutiny.
At the age of 77 and having been in power for 36 years, why should Yoweri Museveni still hanker after the Ugandan presidency? Is he the only one endowed with the sagacity of political leadership in Uganda?
Why would many African countries remain in political self-immolation and continue to be marooned politically?
When will Africa, join other countries of the world to enjoy political maturity?
As the presidential election results are being collated in Uganda, the dictator is already in an early lead. It is obvious that he will rig the election to hold on to power.
One can only salute the courage and resilience of his challenger, Mr Bobby Wine, who is only 38 years. He has made a bold statement to even swim in a sharks-infested river.
One day, his country and many African countries will be free from political myopism, nepotism and anachronistic approach to politicking.
By Dr Tony Okoroafor
